If you’ve ever felt the cozy allure of comfort food wrapped in simplicity, this savory bacon and cabbage delight is your ticket to a flavor fiesta that doesn’t skimp on nostalgia or taste.
This Fried Cabbage recipe is a combination of simple ingredients, resulting in a hearty dish. Smoky bacon adds richness.
Onion and garlic enhance the flavor of the tender cabbage. Olive oil and optional spices (like smoked paprika and red pepper flakes) make this dish a nutritious and satisfying side.
Ingredients
- Cabbage: Rich in fiber and antioxidants; promotes digestive health.
- Bacon: Adds protein and a savory, smoky flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and is high in vitamins.
- Garlic: Boosts flavor and is known for its health benefits.
- Olive Oil: A source of healthy fats and enhances texture.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make this
1. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil at a medium temperature.
2. Place the chopped bacon in the skillet and fry it until it reaches the texture of crispiness, roughly 5-7 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set it aside. Keep the grease in the skillet.
4. Place the chopped onion in the skillet and sauté until it is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
6. Combine the chopped cabbage with the onions and garlic in the skillet. Stir well.
7. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cabbage.
8. Place a lid on the skillet and cook the cabbage for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the cabbage is tender and slightly browned.
9. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine.
10. Adjust seasoning to your taste, if necessary, before serving warm.
Equipment Needed
1. Large frying pan or skillet with a lid
2. Slotted spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Stirring spoon
FAQ
- Is there a substitute for bacon?Certainly! You can either add smoked sausage or omit the meat altogether, resulting in a vegetarian dish, yet still retain much of the flavor.
- How long does fried cabbage take to cook?The complete preparation takes approximately 25–30 minutes.
- Can I use red cabbage instead of green?It is indeed possible to use red cabbage, but the taste and feel of the dish will not be quite the same.
- Do I have to use smoked paprika?You can leave it out or replace it with standard paprika. It has no effect on the base. What smoked paprika adds is a smoky flavor that has a very nice impact on this end.
- Is it necessary to use olive oil?You may use any cooking oil you prefer, but olive oil is used to sauté vegetables.
- Can this dish be made ahead of time?Indeed, you can prepare it beforehand and warm it up; however, for optimal taste and texture, especially the all-important crunch factor of the cabbage, serve it as soon as it’s made.
Fried Cabbage Recipe Substitutions and Variations
When substituting for cabbage, use chopped Brussels sprouts.
To make a meatless version of the breakfast sandwich, use a turkey bacon or bacon-like product made without meat. These are found in many stores or online and are easy to prepare. If you really want to try to make “bacony” flavored tofu (which I suspect is what the original recipe aims to do), good luck. Or, just try it. And have fun experimenting!
Use avocado oil or coconut oil instead of olive oil.
Substitute smoked paprika with any kind of regular, sweet, or hot paprika. If you have none of those, then you can use chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even Creole seasoning.
If red pepper flakes are unavailable, substitute with cayenne pepper.
Pro Tips
1. Use a Heavy Skillet: For best results, use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet. It retains heat well and ensures even cooking, helping the cabbage caramelize beautifully.
2. Bacon Fat Gold: When crisping the bacon, you can render out even more fat by starting with a cold pan instead of preheated oil, allowing the bacon to cook slowly and release its fat gradually.
3. Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After cooking the bacon and onions, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine to deglaze the pan. This enhances the dish with an extra layer of flavor.
4. Texture Tips: If you prefer your cabbage with a little crunch, reduce the cooking time slightly, or cut the cabbage into larger pieces. For a softer texture, let it cook for a few extra minutes.
5. Fresh Herbs Finish: Just before serving, sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley or dill for a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors in the dish.
Fried Cabbage Recipe
My favorite Fried Cabbage Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large frying pan or skillet with a lid
2. Slotted spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Stirring spoon
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil at a medium temperature.
2. Place the chopped bacon in the skillet and fry it until it reaches the texture of crispiness, roughly 5-7 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set it aside. Keep the grease in the skillet.
4. Place the chopped onion in the skillet and sauté until it is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
6. Combine the chopped cabbage with the onions and garlic in the skillet. Stir well.
7. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cabbage.
8. Place a lid on the skillet and cook the cabbage for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the cabbage is tender and slightly browned.
9. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine.
10. Adjust seasoning to your taste, if necessary, before serving warm.
